News

Blackhawks News

Blackhawks host "Hockey Fights Cancer Night" on Saturday

by
Chicago Blackhawks
/ Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks will host “Hockey Fights Cancer Night” at the United Center on Saturday, Oct. 19, when the team hosts the Toronto Maple Leafs. In support of cancer awareness, Blackhawks players will wear one-of-a-kind warm-up jerseys, while coaches and broadcasters will wear lavender ties, all of which will then be autographed and auctioned off online.

During warmups, the Blackhawks will wear white authentic jerseys with lavender lettering to raise cancer awareness; each jersey will be autographed by the player who wore it. All jerseys and ties will be auctioned off to fans on chicagoblackhawks.com beginning on Saturday, Oct. 19, and running through 12 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1. Proceeds from the sales will be donated to Chicago Blackhawks Charities, with portions being distributed to various local cancer awareness organizations. The NHL and NHLPA will also host an online auction of autographed game-used sticks featuring unique lavender hockey tape from select players on auctions.nhl.com.

Additionally, the Blackhawks have partnered with the Make-a-Wish and Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer foundations for a special pregame on-ice recognition of six local children, while six more children will ride the Zambonis before the game and during each intermission. Jack O’Donoghue, a 9-year-old from Carol Stream, who is battling Burkitt Lymphoma, will perform the ceremonial puck drop prior to the game.

Throughout the game, the Blackhawks Better Halves will sell player-autographed white pucks with lavender logos and writing. Proceeds from the puck sales, the Blackhawks silent auction and Split the Pot will benefit Chicago Blackhawks Charities and various local cancer awareness organizations. Several organizations will also be located throughout the United Center concourse to offer more information on cancer prevention and awareness. Select Hockey Fights Cancer apparel will be available for purchase at the Blackhawks Store located by section 117.

The Make-a-Wish Foundation works to enrich the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions by granting wishes, which often serve as a source of inspiration for kids undergoing difficult medical treatments.

The Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation is a national organization dedicated to eliminating pediatric cancer and providing hope and support to those who are affected by it. The foundation has three unique programs: the Bear Hugs Program, Bear Discoveries and Bear Empowerment. The Bear Hugs Program customizes experiences aimed at brightening the lives of children diagnosed with cancer, in addition to providing financial and essential support to families.

The 2013-14 season marks the 15th anniversary of Hockey Fights Cancer™, the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) joint charitable initiative dedicated to raising awareness for national and local organizations involved in cancer care and research. This month, the NHLPA and the NHL will mark this milestone with the annual Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Month campaign. Over the course of 31 days this month, the NHL and NHLPA will distribute more than $200,000 in grants to national and local cancer organizations in all 30 NHL® markets, bringing the total amount Hockey Fights Cancer has donated to this important cause to approximately $13 million since its inception in 1998.

Saturday’s game against Toronto can be seen locally on WGN-TV and heard on WGN Radio AM-720.